How to Fix a Composite Door Replacement Lock

Many homes have composite doors installed due to their attractive appearance, improved security and insulation properties. The majority of problems with these doors are due to a defective mechanism and can typically be rectified without the need to replace your composite door.

A common issue is a sticky lock, which occurs when it becomes difficult to put it in or turn the key. This can be easily resolved by oiling the internal mechanisms of your door lock.

Warped Doors

Composite doors are extremely durable, reliable and long-lasting however it doesn't mean they're immune to damage or problems. There are many common composite door issues that can occur, including warping and the inability to close or open your doors in a proper manner. Some of these issues are easily fixable however others require more maintenance and work.

Doors made of timber and composite are prone to warping which is when the materials are bent and change shape over time due to exposure to fluctuating temperatures and moisture. This can cause the door be stiff and difficult to open or close, and could also affect how it functions as locks. The best way to prevent the warping of the composite door is to select a top-quality composite door with a finish or coating that shields the door from UV and moisture radiation.

Locks that stick are a common issue with composite doors. This happens when lock mechanism and handles are covered in dirt, dust or other debris, making it difficult to open or close the door. In the worst case it can cause security issues in your home since it's easy for unauthorised people to access your property. Cleaning your composite doors frequently with a damp cloth, and applying a graphite-based or silicone-based fluid every six months will stop this from occurring.

The water can get into your home in the event that the drainage system within the door is blocked. This usually happens because the weather seals have been dislodged over time and are no longer pushing firmly against their tracks. This problem can be fixed by checking that they are properly positioned and pushing them back in their proper position.

The hinges on your composite doors could be weakened over time, leading them to get caught. This can be caused by a number of factors, such as changes in moisture or excessive heat, as well as not closing the door correctly. To fix this, simply adjust the hinges with the hex key, Phillips-head screwdriver or flathead screwdriver. Applying a lithium-based oil to the hinges can also aid in preventing this.

Faulty Locks

Composite doors are very strong and extremely durable. This does not mean that they will never break or encounter issues. It doesn't matter if it's swelling, warping or a lock that won't turn the way it should, these issues could affect the security of your door as well as its performance. Fortunately, a lot of these problems can be easily repaired with the right tools and expertise.

A damaged lock can affect uPVC and composite doors, although composite doors typically experience less of this issue than the case with a uPVC door due to the nature of their construction. In most cases, the lock might require replacement, or it could simply be a matter of adjusting the locking mechanism and oiling the keyhole. It is important to use lubricants based on graphite on the key and lock cylinder, rather than oils-based ones such as WD-40, to prevent damage to these parts.

If your new composite door isn't able to open and close, it's likely that the locking points have moved out of alignment or the lock mechanism has gone out of date. In this case it is essential to call an expert locksmith to make sure that the door is in the proper position and that the lock is operating correctly.

The most common cause of a defective lock on a composite door comes due to the expansion of the material that was used to construct the doors. This is usually caused by an increase in humidity or damp conditions and can result in the locking mechanisms not working properly.

This can lead to doors being difficult to open or close, and also put your home's security in danger.

It's important to develop the habit of throwing the handle to lock and close your composite doors. This will engage all of the locking points along the door and not just rely on the latch in the centre which could leave the top and bottom of your composite doors vulnerable to swelling and warping. As well as ensuring that the lock is in place, this will also keep the door secure and increase its energy efficiency.

Sticky Locks

Locks that stick are a common issue that can affect any type of door. The good part is that this typical issue can be fixed quickly and easily with some simple steps. These tips will help keep your composite door repair door replacement lock in good working order.

One of the most common reasons why locks become sticky is because the internal components are wearing out. As time passes, the metal surfaces of the pins, springs, and tumblers begin to deteriorate, causing friction and a build-up dirt and grime. This gunk can make the key difficult to turn and could cause damage to the lock.

Utilizing a powdered graphite solution or a Teflonor PTFE-based lubricant can help avoid these issues. Dry lubricant WD-40 is a well-known option and is available at most DIY stores. Simply use the straw in the can to apply a small amount oil directly into the lock mechanism. Then, slide the key in and out of the lock repeatedly to spread the lubricant over the entire lock. After applying the lubricant, remove any excess so it doesn't attract dirt and dust.

Closing your composite door is another crucial aspect. The lock mechanism could be damaged more quickly when you bang the door or apply too much pressure to the handle. Similarly, keeping the door open for extended durations can increase the amount of moisture in the home, which can result in mould or warping of the frame and door.

Although it's easy to take your composite door's locks for granted, as they function as they should, it's essential to regularly maintain them to ensure that they continue to function properly. These tips will help you keep your new composite door replacement lock in good working condition and ensure that your home stays secure. It is best to contact an expert locksmith if you notice that your locks aren't working as they should. They'll be able inspect the lock and recommend the best way to correct the issue, including repair hole in composite door or replacement lock for composite door.

Key Won't Turn

Composite doors have a chic modern appearance and offer enhanced security and insulation. They are available in a variety of colours and finishes to match your home's personality and decor. While composite doors are designed to be durable however, they require regular maintenance to ensure they are in good condition. Most minor composite door issues can be resolved fairly easily such as stuck doors or ones that are not aligned properly.

In many cases, composite doors become difficult to lock or open due to an ill-fitting frame, expansion caused by weather changes, or due to aging of the mechanism inside. In these cases the most frequent solutions involve changing the strike plate as well as hinges to ensure they sit perfectly within the frame and are able to be opened and locked quickly. It could also be necessary to clean the inside of the locking the cylinder to eliminate any obstructions.

If the key won't turn inside the lock, the internal locking mechanism could be faulty and will require replacement. This is an issue that requires professional Locksmith assistance. Christopher the Locksmith offers a fast and easy service, providing you with locks that are similar to yours at competitive prices.

The best way to prevent these issues is to keep the hardware and the door frame in good condition. It is important to clean them regularly to get rid of dirt and grime, and then apply an oil-based lubricant. To avoid further damage make use of a lubricant designed specifically for doors and locks.

Another preventive measure you can be sure to put the handle up while closing a composite (also called throwing the doors). This will ensure that the locking points of the door are properly engaged and reduce the risk of damage or warping.

It is also recommended that you replace your old composite doors with a security Kite Marked cylinder. This can greatly reduce the chances of your composite doors being smashed into because they feature anti-drill, anti-bump and anti-snap security. Many insurers require this as a requirement of your home's insurance. If your composite doors have been damaged in an attempted break-in, it's highly advisable to get in touch with a Locksmith to repair or replace the door immediately to avoid further damage.